Jumpstart Your Veterinary Social Media Strategy for January 2026

Happy New Year! Ready to make 2026 your most creative year yet? January is packed with fun holidays, educational themes, and engagement opportunities that fit perfectly with your veterinary practice. Let’s dive into fresh ideas to keep your followers informed, entertained, and connected!

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January Highlights & Social Media Holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day
Start the year strong with a heartfelt post to welcome 2026!
Content ideas:

• Encourage year-round preventative care as a top pet parent resolution.
• Share a fun video of your team’s New Year resolutions (bonus points if your clinic cat resolves to nap more or supervise better!).
• Express gratitude to your amazing clients for trusting you in 2025 and share your excitement for continuing that partnership in 2026.

January 2 – National Pet Travel Safety Day
Share essential tips for traveling safely with pets—secure carriers, seatbelt harnesses, and hydration reminders.

January 4 – National Trivia Day
Engage followers with fun, pet-related trivia questions. Use polls or quizzes for interaction!

January 5 – Bird Day
Celebrate feathered friends! Share care tips, fun facts, or showcase colorful species. If you treat avian patients, remind followers about regular check-ups.

January 6 – Cuddle Up Day
Post cozy photos of your team cuddling adorable patients—or invite followers to share their snuggly pet pics.

January 10 – Houseplant Appreciation Day
Educate pet parents on safe plants and which ones to avoid.

January 20 – Cheese Lover’s Day
Show off cheese-covered snoots! Remind followers about moderation and safe cheese choices.

January 21 – Hug Day & Squirrel Appreciation Day
Celebrate hugs with pets—invite followers to share photos! For squirrels, educate on keeping pets safe and avoiding wildlife chases.

January 22 – Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
Ask followers what burning questions their cats might have. (“Why don’t you feed me at 3 AM?”)

January 24 – Peanut Butter Day & Change a Pet’s Life Day
Share safe peanut butter tips (avoid xylitol!) and/or highlight ways to change a pet’s life—adoption, donations, or better health practices.

January 25 – Opposite Day
Have fun! Ask followers to share something their pet loves or hates with a twist: tell you the opposite.

January 29 – National Have Fun at Work Day
Show the lighter side of your clinic! Share behind-the-scenes fun with your team on Instagram Stories or Facebook.

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Special Week: International Hoof Care Week (Jan 20–24)

For practices treating horses, cows, sheep, or goats, spotlight hoof health. Share tips, schedule reminders, and celebrate the hardworking hooves that keep these animals moving!

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Monthly Themes to Spotlight

January isn’t just about daily holidays, it’s full of month-long themes that offer amazing content opportunities:

Walk Your Dog Month

Many dogs aren’t getting enough walks, which can lead to behavioral issues and unhappy pups. In honor of Walk Your Dog Month, remind pet parents about the importance of regular, appropriate walks.
Content ideas:

• Share tips on how much exercise different breeds need.
• Offer advice on making walks enjoyable.
• Highlight how walking improves both physical and mental health.

Train Your Dog Month

Spotlight helpful training tips and tricks!
Content ideas:

• Feature patients showing off their skills.
• Encourage followers to share videos of their pets performing tricks.
• Highlight trainers or behaviorists you work with for professional help.

Blood Donor Month

Educate your audience on the importance of blood donations for pets in need.
Content ideas:

• Explain how veterinary blood banks work.
• Share the critical role donations play in emergencies and surgeries.
• If you partner with a local blood bank, share ways pet owners can get involved.

Mentoring Month

Highlight the importance of mentorship in veterinary medicine!
Content ideas:

• Showcase interns or student mentees at your clinic.
• Share why mentorship is crucial for shaping future veterinary professionals.

Adopt a Bird Month

Raise awareness about bird adoption and responsible ownership.
Content ideas:

• Share tips on diet, habitat, and enrichment for birds.
• Promote local bird rescues or adoption events.

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Ready to Make January Memorable?

With all the New Year’s resolutions, fresh starts, and January energy in full swing, now is the perfect time to plan your social media content. Starting early sets a positive, organized tone for a successful and stress-free start to the year.

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Want to Make January Shine? Get the January Social Media Toolkit!

Want to save time and make your content pop? Our January Social Media Toolkit includes:
✔ 15 posts that include copy & paste captions and graphics sized for Facebook & Instagram
✔ 4 short videos for Reels and Stories that you can use to promote appointments, compliance, and your online or in-house pharmacy

✔Access to assistance from VHA for help maximizing reach, scheduling, and any other social media marketing related questions you may have!

Stop stressing over what to post, grab the toolkit and make January your easiest month yet!